The Imam of Ijora Central Mosque, Lagos, Alhaji Rafiu Ibrahim, has urged the Federal Government to take serious steps in tackling unemployment and other areas affecting the standard of living of Nigerians.

Ibrahim made the statement in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Sunday .

“I feel disturbed when I see many graduates from various higher institutions roaming the streets doing nothing.

“There is violence in some parts of the country as a result of unemployment and high cost of living. The government should make efforts to create more jobs to avert crime and violence in the country, “ he said.

Ibrahim noted that the issue of fuel subsidy was very crucial and urged those in power to make decisions that would benefit the citizens.

“The welfare of the people should be put into consideration regarding decisions made by the government concerning the subsidy of fuel, “ he said.

He advised Nigerian leaders to know that they would be held responsible and accountable for their stewardship before Allah.

The Imam also advised the government to learn from the life and death of Libya’s former leader, Muomar Gaddafi, who after 42 years of dictatorship, died dishonourably and reminded them to have the fear of God in their mind.

“Our leaders should make use of our resources and funds for the benefit of its citizens and not for their own advantage so as not to end up like the Libyan leader, “ Ibrahim said.

Specifically on the Eid-el-Kabir, Ibrahim encouraged Nigerians to trust and fear God being the significance of the celebration.

He urged both Muslims and Christians to learn how to be tolerant, show understanding and live harmoniously and peacefully with one another especially at this time of crises.

“We should understand that we are all Nigerians and should as a result be united and shun violence, “ he said.

Ibrahim also advised Muslims not to act outside the tenets of Islam, which teaches love instead of violence, adding that there was no portion in the Koran that teaches violence.